Emperor of America presents Condon's typically contemptuous view of America and Americans. Its nasty portrayal of America is likely to put off some discussion group members. On the other hand, it is a satire with numerous issues worthy of discussion. Just how much does television actually shape American's views of their country, themselves, and events? What is the primary source of political power in the country? Is America's military selfdestructive?

1. Condon seems to loath Ronald Reagan. Was Reagan worthy of such hatred? Did he commit any of the crimes Condon attributed to him?

2. How valid are the novel's criticisms of America's military command structure?

3. Has the narrative's reliance on topical issues such as America's onetime preoccupation Nicaragua's communist government dated the novel so much that its satire no longer has meaning?

4. There is a coldness, an inhumanness, to the depictions of characters.

Does making them symbols...